In 1979, Michael Papp was running a record pressing plant and cassette duplication facility. He eventually moved into the business of buying and selling used audio gear from recording studios. Seeing the great demand for old, used vacuum tube gear along with the high cost of upkeep and maintenance for these old products, Michael decided to try manufacturing new vacuum tube based products combining the sound and attention to detail of these old classics with the specifications and reliability of new, modern parts.
Summit Audio’s first product was the TLA-100, created by Michael Papp and Crane Song founder Dave Hill. Though it shares some control characteristics with vintage equipment, it was designed with unique circuitry and methods of leveling/compression. This union between classic function and modern day methods and technology has been the cornerstone of all Summit Audio designs. The TLA-100 is currently the longest standing continuously produced piece of outboard gear in our industry. Chances are excellent that if you purchased one then, it’s worth more now than when you bought it.
Through strong relationships Summit Audio became a well-established and respected manufacturer of top shelf audio products, from industry standards like the DCL-200 dual compressor/limiter, TPA-200B two-channel mic/instrument preamplifier and EQP-200B stereo passive tube EQ to brand new and exciting products like the Everest, Summit Audio’s ultimate channel strip. Our half rack series, originally designed to make Summit gear available at a lower price point, delivers Summit ‘s renowned sound and quality so well that they too have become staples in studios and live rigs of musicians and audio pros around the world.
Over the three decades that Summit Audio has been making gear, it is this type of value, vision and longevity with which we continuously strive to provide our family of users around the world. Our journey began with good people and strong relationships, and it is still those things that drive our focus in all we do.
